THE LATEST UPDATE FROM & DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT TRUST

Building a resilient, inclusive, enterprising community to make Huntly and the AB54 area an even better place to live, work and visit Autumn 2018 TRUST PLANS TO REGENERATE BUZZ WITHIN THE TOWN CENTRE Historically, Huntly’s town centre has always been the focal point for activity - a place Ambitious project outlined to bring to meet, greet, socialise and do business. Over the years, we’ve seen the gradual emptying of the square with shops closing fresh life into former RBS building due to changes in the way we buy things, community usage have been drawn up, the regeneration of the town square with banks moving out as we now bank on- fi nancial risks to the Trust have proved too our fi rst of, we hope, many town centre line and the working population having to great and therefore, we’ve had to put some projects. commute to cities such as in of these projects on the back burner. order to gain employment and earn a living. HDDT approached the RBS bank to That is until the RBS building was understand its position in selling the building These magnifi cent and historic town vacated by the bank in its recent nationwide to the community - the bank response was centre buildings are costly to maintain closure programme. The size of the positive and they agreed. Subsequently, with many fallen into a state of disrepair building along with its prominent positioning the Trust has signed a Heads of Terms and some not fi t for re-occupation without within the square was seen, by the Trust Agreement with the bank with a view to signifi cant investment. This has resulted in as an ideal opportunity to kick-start the (Continued overleaf) a tired and run down centre that previously was such an asset to the town. The Trust aims for this to be the fi rst of many Town Centre projects that will help to bring new life back into the heart HDDT, working alongside the Huntly of the community. “Town Team” is aiming to change the centre fortunes, breath new life into the Town square and re-create that buzz and vibrancy that the town centre once had.

Based upon the feedback the Trust has received over the years along with the more recent work carried out by Ice Cream Architecture in the development of the Town Strategy document, bringing the square back to life is top of the community’s wish list.

Whilst a number of buildings on the square have been available for redevelopment for many years, HDDT has looked at all of these buildings to match community usage requirements against the potential of the buildings and the long term sustainability of making these projects happen. Where comprehensive building surveys, detailed business plans and (Continued from overleaf) purchasing the building and bringing it back and frustrations. Have you got the drive to who have picked an independent lifestyle into life as a community beneficial facility. follow a set schedule each day? Can you that matches yours. It will leave you feeling work well with little or no accountability? energized, social, and happy. The Trust is currently in discussions with, This is why co-working spaces have and has applied to, the Scottish Land Fund blossomed as a viable option in recent Networking Through Co-working for support funding to buy the building with years. Working alone places a barrier between you a view to turning it into a co-working hub and people who could potentially help your for home based business people, micro/ A co-working space is a place where business. Co-working puts you near people small businesses and for community groups you can go daily, once a week or simply who might have vastly different skill sets or to meet in a more formal and professional to fit your requirement, sit down at a desk solutions to problems, allowing you to “pick environment. and work amongst like-minded people their brains”. If you can find a co-working in a structured atmosphere. It offers an space that aligns with your field of work, it So far, the response from SLF has been office-style environment that fosters all makes this benefit all the stronger. positive and we await a final decision later the autonomy an entrepreneur could want in the year. The Trust has until March 2019 without any of the politics. If you’re an Flexibility to conclude the purchase and up until that entrepreneur working from home, have you If you’re starting to consider office space, time, the Trust will have rent free access to considered the benefits you could enjoy you’ll soon learn the high costs that comes the building to draw up plans for future use from the co-working space? The following along with it. Are you ready to sign a fixed- as well as fully scope the costs associated lists seven advantages to ditching the term lease? Install infrastructure? Pay utility in the refurbishment. couch, or coffee shop, and moving into a bills? A co-working space takes care of all co-working space. of that and allows you to rent the space on Within the Trust, we refer to this as our much shorter, more flexible terms. “Huntly HiVE” Project - like bees, working Structure together to connect, share and develop. Working from home presents an abundance Emotional Support of distractions. It’s tough to work effectively If you’ve ever encountered self-doubt as So what is co-working and how when you’re close to your TV, pets, your a small business owner you’re not alone. would that be applicable to Huntly? bed, and family. Keeping work separate Stepping out on your own removes the Well, escaping from long commutes and from home allows you to keep structure in safety net we enjoy as a cog in a larger the daily grind of office life is often cited your life and provides a reason to get out of machine. Surrounding yourself with fellow as one of the most attractive aspects of the house. entrepreneurs allows you to push through starting your own business. No more rush moments of self-doubt. You can even use hour commutes to Aberdeen, no meetings Becoming More Effective them as a sounding board for your ideas. that drag on, and no more projects landing An office environment creates an energy on your desk at 4:55 PM on a Friday. and mindset that can only come from Professional Image Presentation interacting with fellow workers. According You can invite clients and suppliers to a Working at home, or simply taking your to a recent study, a co-working office professional business environment, project laptop to a coffee shop, surely sounds like environment made 64% of entrepreneurs the right image without having to clear a dream, but it presents its own challenges more productive, 68% of entrepreneurs that morning’s breakfast dishes or tidy more focused and 90% of entrepreneurs up a space at home to hold an important more confident. In a co-working space, meeting. Community groups can also have SUPPORT where everyone is busy on their own access to and utilise a co-working space to passion projects, this buzz will drive you on hold regular group and team meetings, with to make your own business a success. video conferencing, high speed internet, YOUR TRUST tea and coffee all on tap as part of a flexible Avoiding Loneliness membership package. The Trust is always on the look out for local It’s often said the life of an entrepreneur volunteers to get involved in the support and can be a lonely one. Working alone is If you’d like to find out more about the Huntly HiVE project, provide us with any running of the Trust, if you’re inspired by what isolating and can have a negative effect on your mental wellbeing. Interactions in feedback on the idea or indeed, look to we’ve manage to achieve for the AB54 local a work environment are an important part take up space or membership within the community and would like to get involved in of daily life. Though you’ll be working on HiVE, just contact the Trust. We’ll keep you updated over the coming months on current or future projects, please get in touch. your own business, a co-working space surrounds you with like-minded people progress. HUNTLY’S SO GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND

Whole town recognised for the community’s efforts in developing a greener local and global environment

In came as a complete surprise, but yet, a very welcome announcement when Environmental Forum (AEF) presented the town of Huntly with AEF’s HDDT was delighted to pick up the Green Butterfl y award on behalf of fi rst ever Community Green Butterfl y the town community. It was great award in recognition of all its good work to to see so many other groups were improve the local and global environment. able to come along and share the well earned accolade on the night. AEF invited representatives of HDDT and Deveron Projects to collect the shield but, in recognition of the work of the whole community, both were keen to ensure that many other organisations were also present to share in the accolade.

In mid September, a large contingent from Huntly attended the Green Butterfl y ceremony at Heritage Centre in .

Representatives of Aberdeenshire Council, Bite on the Side, Gordon Rural Action, Huntly Community Council, Huntly Floral Fund, Huntly Rotary Club, Huntly Swift Group, Networks of Wellbeing and joined HDDT and Deveron Projects in collecting the award.

Unfortunately, the Deveron Street Growers couldn’t make it but they and others in the community who do their bit should take equal pride in the recognition.

Already several other community groups wish to visit to learn from the range of projects undertaken in Huntly over the years. HDDT’s renewable energy initiatives, home insulation scheme, green and active travel projects and tree planting at Greenmyres were part of the winning formula. Let the AB54 metamorphosis long Photo - Huntly Express continue. COMMUNITY MINIBUS EXPANSION - DRIVERS NEEDED The Trust has managing the logistics and In September, the Trust received a visit community groups, our driver team needs operations of the community minibus for from Derek Young, Director for Scotland to expand. New drivers receive a MIDAS a year now and several new organisations Community Transport Association, who minibus driver qualifi cation which can be are now regularly making use of the bus for praised the effi cient way in which we done at a timing to suit. All that’s required excursions or team building days. run the minibus alongside the Huntly is that you must be aged between 21 and Community Minibus Committee. 70 (inclusive) and hold a full UK licence for a Over the summer, the minibus escorted minimum of 2 years. For more information, various locals groups to distilleries, country At the moment we have a pool of fi ve please contact Debbie Haefner by email at parks, museums and beach outings. volunteer drivers but as the bus fulfi ls more [email protected] SMOOTH CHANGE AT TRUST’S HELM After earlier announcing his intention to retire, Trust Chair, Les Allan passes on the baton with confidence, as the Trust strides forward into its tenth year With Les Allan announcing his intention to nature of the retail industry is shifting and stand down as chair of the Trust earlier this there have been several high-profile losses year, the board has been working behind to our town centre; but there are now new the scenes to secure a new chair to take on opportunities for different types of facilities, the important role moving forward. service businesses and community led projects to fill the gaps. Fortunately, the board didn’t have to search too far and vice chair Jamie These are exciting times for HDDT as Wilkinson, who joined the HDDT board in we look to pursue some fresh project New HDDT chair - Jamie Wilkinson September 2016, has agreed to step in and ideas. We’ll build on the success of current fill the position. projects such as the Car Club, E-bikes, Partnership (ATP). Alastair already sat ‘Room to Run’ and others. on the board of Networks of Wellbeing Jamie is the Trust’s youngest chair to and Gordon Rural Action when in 2016 date and perhaps fitting as HDDT enters Following the wide community he became a director of HDDT. This its tenth year and an increasingly exciting participation in the ‘Huntly 2030’ initiative provided some joined up thinking and future. HDDT’s aim is to build on the momentum further collaboration between the two it has generated. We’re already working organisations. Sadly, his time with us was Jamie commented, “I’m delighted to with Ice Cream Architecture, Aberdeenshire far too short. On a professional level we take on the role of Huntly and District Council and the Town Team to progress the particularly valued Alastair’s financial nous, Development Trust chair. Throughout my ideas which can be taken forward. his capacity for unconventional thinking and two years on the HDDT board I’ve learned his ability to step back and take a balanced much from my fellow directors, and in HDDT is still a small organisation big picture view of matters. We valued his particular from our departing chair Les with limited resources, and we can’t do integrity, warmth and humour, we miss him Allan. everything. Our income streams now gives greatly and extend our sympathies again to us the sustainability and flexibility required his wife Mary and wider family. Despite a number of setbacks for to develop new opportunities alongside our the town in recent years, I believe there partner organisations and funders to go on At the HDDT AGM in September, we will are many reasons to be optimistic and deliver them. also be saying goodbye to our chair and about Huntly’s future. The significant one of Huntly and District’s longest-serving improvements to road, rail and digital I feel that HDDT, as a community supporters over the last fifteen years, Les infrastructure over the next decade will development trust, will take an increasingly Allan. Les, who has been chair of HDDT offer tangible economic opportunities to the important position over the coming years for the past two years and as director for area. Scottish tourism is growing rapidly, and I hope make a real difference to the four, is stepping down to enjoy more time and Huntly’s setting, architecture, history town’s economic, social and environmental with wife, dog and golf clubs. Before joining and culture have so much to offer. The well-being.” he Trust, Les was, for five years, the chair of HDDT’s predecessor, the Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership. This was part of his role as Aberdeenshire Council’s Area SOME CHANGED FACES Manager. We are truly grateful to Les for the commitment, creativity and support Welcomes and Farewells to Trust Board he has shown to Huntly and District and especially HDDT in this period. We wish Since our Spring 2018 newsletter, the Trust As well as people joining the board we Les, his wife Teresa and their wider family - board has welcomed Rosemary Munro, have also had people leaving us. including springer spaniel Millie - all the very Claire Newman and Graeme Ralph to the best for a happy retirement. board as new directors. Firstly, sadly and very suddenly in April 2018, we said goodbye to one of our In accordance with our Articles of directors, Alastair Ross. Alastair suffered Association each will be standing down at complications from surgery and passed the AGM but will be seeking re-election. away, in his sleep, at Aberdeen Royal We wish them well and thank them for their Infirmary. valued input to date. Even if Rosemary, Claire and Graeme are re-elected, which we Alastair was a long-time friend of Huntly hope, we still have room for more directors and District and HDDT. An Aberdeenshire therefore if you are interested in playing Council councillor for the Huntly, an active and largely enjoyable role in the Strathbogie and Howe of Alford ward development of our community we’d love he sat on the steering group of HDDT’s The Trust has had to say a fond farewell and goodbye to some to hear from you! predecessor the Aberdeenshire Towns wonderful ambassadors to the Trust and the town of Huntly YOUR TOWN YOUR INPUT The town strategy document is starting to take shape and will become the catalyst for future change

Work continues apace with the ‘Room Business & Jobs for feedback at the Huntly Hotel during the to Thrive’ project being led by Ice Cream • Foster and support local people to run Hairst in the form of a summary chart. Architecture (ICA) on behalf of the Huntly businesses in the town Town Team, which includes HDDT. Based upon the feedback received, • Encourage business and professionals ICA are now fi nalising the Strategy and ICA are nearing the end of their to the town the accompanying Action Plan. The fi nal commission and have completed several • Create affordable spaces for new version will be launched around the end of milestones. The fi rst is the baseline ‘How’s business October. Huntly’ document, which summarises the results of consultation in March/April 2018 Schools More info on the Room to Thrive project on what the community feels about Huntly. • Upgrade the Primary School and is available at http://huntly.town/ Five key issues emerged: Secondary School So, what’s HDDT doing in all of this? • Resolve the buses and parking issue Town Centre As well as being an active member of the • Attract and keep businesses in the town • Incorporate a sports and community hub Huntly Town Team, HDDT is working to deliver a number of follow up actions to • Ensure a vibrant town centre with Transport & Parking keep the current momentum going. These maintained buildings and spaces • Offer free parking in the town centre include: • Bring unused buildings into commercial/ • Ensure better transport connections community/educational use rurally and regionally • Establishment of a Huntly Information Hub (HIH), a one-stop shop for updates • Communicate the positives to locals and • Improve signposting, routes and paths for both locals and visitors about what’s visitors for walking and cycling going on Huntly, including plans for the next steps of Room to Thrive. The HIH Things to do Subsequently ICA opened an ‘Ideas could also provide retail, workshop and • More for young people to do outside Bank’ for suggestions on what could be activity space as well as other uses school hours done to tackle the issues raised. Nearly 200 based on demand. HDDT has agreed a suggestions were received. • Give visitors a reason to come to and Head of Terms agreement for the short- stay in Huntly Building on the How’s Huntly results and term to lease and eventual purchase of • Coordinate and encourage local the Ideas Bank, ICA has pulled together a the former RBS building on the Square activities, clubs, family and community draft Huntly Strategy on how the town and and have in principle agreement to use events its wider stakeholders could address the the Huntly Hotel too. A programme of activity is being prepared by a HIH • Enhance existing sports facilities issues raised. The Strategy was presented subgroup. (Continued on page 8) Smiles all round Fun for all the family Wonderful sight, up to the Castle Hotel

This year’s Room to Run and Hairst Festival was the biggest it’s ever been. Over 1,000 runners, of all ages, took part in perfect weather conditions congregating in the town square to create a wonderful buzz within the town. Over 60 stallholders were kept busy Lovin’ the bling!!! with many selling out rapidly as the runners crossed the line and were on the lookout for replacing lost energy. With the addition of a Huntly Hero race for those that completed both the 5k and 10k races, it was wonderful to see all those re-splendid in their pink, blue or Hero t-shirts - many can still be seen around the town every week and worn with pride at other running events. The festival is now firmly in the diary as one of the “must do” runs in the Scottish running calendar and we hope to make it even bigger and better next year with the addition of the Huntly Half Marathon race. A huge shout out to our partners (Networks of Wellbeing and Huntly’s Rinnin Quines and Loons), our sponsors and volunteers, without whom, we simply couldn’t do it without them - the success of the event is down to wide spread community involvement and engagement. We’re already starting the planning for next year, so if you’d like to get involved, volunteer or even run one of the races, we’d love to hear from you. Reserve the 7th September 2019 in your diaries now for next year. Smiles all round Local quine picks up Ladies Hero trophy Oh, those hills!!

A typical Saturday in Huntly

Lovin’ the bling!!!

Wee Shortie joined the Over 1,100 took part - races to support the kids Every one a Huntly hero (Continued from page 5) • Submission of a bid to the Scottish KEEPING IT ALL Land Fund for support to acquire the former RBS building on behalf of the community. This will provide a RIGHT AND PROPER first long-term anchor asset on The Square for the Trust. As indicated on page one of this Energise edition, our initial idea centres around the creation of a co-working hub with working title the Huntly HiVE) to provide high quality, flexible work space for new and existing micro businesses to network, on a low cost and more social basis. Market testing of this idea will follow in the coming weeks so please feel free to get in touch if you’d be interested in contributing your thoughts.

• An application to the final oundr of Behind the scenes, managing process, LEADER for funds to help employ a Town Centre Development Manager. compliance and audits helps fill our days That person would have responsibility for driving forward the town centre Although maybe not the most exciting As our previous accountant, JD actions identified through the town element of what we do, the processes Accountancy, do not undertake audit strategy. Key to the long-term success that keep HDDT going and compliant with work, the Trust has had to engage an of this will be securing ownership of legislation are essential to the running accredited auditor to conduct this work. one or more town centre buildings of the Trust. Here’s a brief overview of Local firm, Ritsons, have been appointed to allow them to be refurbished and what we‘ve been doing over the last six our new accountants and auditors. made available flexibly to uses for the months: benefit of the community. We are pleased to say that the Trust General Data Protection has received a clean bill of health and • Contributing to a bid to the Scottish Regulation (GDPR) are grateful to Ritson’s Aileen Phillips and Government’s Making Places Fund Not quite a four-letter word but GDPR David Anderson for their help. At the which would secure design support has presented many organisations with same time, we’d also like to sincerely to look at how the northern side of significant work behind the scenes to thank Jane Dempster and Irene Tait of JD the town could be better used and make themselves compliant. Accountancy for the fantastic support they promoted. The area covers roughly have provided to the Trust since inception The Square northwards to Huntly HDDT is no exception, our efforts began in 2009. Castle and includes most of the earlier this year and gathered pace as town’s key education and leisure the May 25th deadline approached. We Updates to our facilities. If successful, the work to spent much time and effort contacting Governing Document be funded by the bid would have our members by e-mail, post and hand- Recent changes to legislation, especially to completed by the end of March delivered letters (special thanks to Ingrid the Community Empowerment (Scotland) 2019. The outcome would be a Wylie one of our dedicated volunteers!) Act 2015, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act clear, phased and costed plan for to ensure they could opt-in to stay in 2016 and subsequent/parallel changes how to deliver the new facilities and touch with all that is going on at HDDT. in the perspective of key funders mean improvements to existing facilities that The good news is that more than half our that we have been recommended by various stakeholders seek. This will members did so. several sources to update our governing give each of the organisations and document in order that we are able to take the community as a whole a better Other steps involving management of advantage of new opportunities. chance of securing the significant personal data and refreshment of privacy funds that the range of projects will policies was also required. The Development Trusts Association need. Scotland (DTAS) has advised that the Statutory Audit simplest way to do that is to adopt a For he Trust, it is important to stress As a charity, HDDT is subject to regulation whole new set of articles based on the that alongside the time, energy and by the Office of the Scottish Charity post Companies Act 2006 format, tailored knowledge that we are devoting to Regulator (OSCR). One of their provisions for our own situation. these pieces of work, because of the is that if a charity generates more than investment in renewables over the £500,000 in turnover in a financial year its These will include many of the last few years, we are now also able accounts must undergo a full audit rather provisions from our existing Articles of to contribute funding to make them than just an independent examination by a Association, albeit with new numbering, happen. local accountant. but will feature a variety of additions, updates, refinements and updates. At a time of increasing competition for HDDT is again in this (fortunate) position public resources, HDDT is convinced that for 2017/18 largely due to the income We will be proposing these changes to our access to funding will help leverage received from Greenmyres, Cairnborrow our members as soon as we’re ready to outside investment by demonstrating and Wheedlemont. HDDT income from do so. If approved, the new articles will be our community’s financial capacity and the renewable projects should continue uploaded to our website, for viewing and commitment. to grow due to debt being paid down, download, thereafter. therefore, it is likely to remain the case. IMPROVEMENT WORK AT GREENMYRES ON TRACK There’s been lots of activity up on the farm over the summer as the Trust improves and develops the site Our demolition contractors started to face the cleared area. All rotten timbers of the Scottish Rural Development in March and did an efficient job of were burned onsite with very little being Programme this is a very exciting first demolishing the worst of the old physically removed from site which is an step for us in connecting our community outbuildings that had fallen into a achievement given the facelift the farmyard farm into a huge forested area, rich in dangerous state. This has opened up the has experienced. recreational opportunities and full of farmyard and provided much improved beauty and biodiversity. It opens up light and views into the farmhouse. The Aberdeenshire Council Community tremendous possibilities for outdoor The contractors worked around some Payback team, led by Steven Taylor, have activities and great scope for people to try young ash trees on the periphery of the been sprucing up the retained shelters out HDDT’s e bikes. The path is due to demolition site, retaining them to assist and outbuildings with some whitewash be completed this year and we’re planning with shelter and landscaping in the coming and the farmyard is starting to look much a grand opening in spring/summer 2019 years. Interestingly, demolition only creates better. with a celebratory walk/bike ride for about 5-10% waste, this has proved true everyone to join us. Also making a start this autumn is the at Greenmyres as we have retained the foot/cycle/ski path to connect Greenmyres natural stone to use in future building and We’ve been working on both the route directly to the existing network of forest landscaping projects. The sheet metal and funding for a path to link Greenmyres trails in Moor. Funded by the was recycled, the concrete blocks were to Huntly on the quiet roads and any new Improving Public Access (IPA) strand converted into hardcore onsite and reused paths through the countryside. The plan is currently being assessed by the IPA programme and we should know later this year if we’ve been successful in attaining funding. This project has had huge support from the community during our early consultations and it would be great to make it happen. We plan to eventually link Greenmyres to , creating a walkway from Huntly to Insch, both towns having railway stations therefore an ease on the return leg if returning by train.

The HDDT team is currently preparing Work has begun at pace up at Greenmyres with the demolishing of applications for funding to allow the unstable buildings, the clearing and making safe of the site. conversion of the farmhouse into a community space. The building has been badly altered in the past with many flat roofed additions which are all failing. The GULL PROJECT Trust sees the importance of retaining heritage, therefore our plan is to take the farmhouse back to the stone core, Year 2 - 2018 project completed upgrade the fabric to meet insulation The programme to reduce the nuisance Johnston Carmichael, Asda, Strathbogie standards and extend it sympathetically gull population in the town is working Community Council, Huntly Community to form an “eco-bothy”. This will have a well. In the first phase of the five year Council, Clashindarroch Wind Farm and good sized meeting space, toilet, kitchen, programme in 2017, Presly Pest Control Aberdeenshire Environmental Health. shower and storage facilities - funding removed 244 nests and 532 eggs. The allowing - should be ready to hire for next total for this year shows a significant Although this project is co-ordinated by summer. reduction, with 190 nests and 419 eggs HDDT, it is a community project, entirely taken away for disposal from roofs and unfunded, therefore funding sources for A range of partners have greatly helped chimneys across Huntly during the next year’s phase has already begun. The identify a variety of courses, meetings and breeding season from May to August. cost to have this service done privately events that could take place there, such would cost upwards of £200. as craft workshops, outdoor learning, The project cost for this year was met camping, artist residencies, rural skills by donations from local businesses, Anyone can show their appreciation and workshops, sports events and even private individuals and community contribute from as little as £5 towards the stained glass workshops. funding applications. Thanks must go project for 2019 by going to http://www. to Just Hair, Greenmount Guest House, huntlydevelopmenttrust.org/shop/ or If you’re interested in finding out more McWilliams Huntly, The Kindergarten, by contacting coordinator Debbie Haefner about the space to allow you to deliver a Elevator (Huntly Business Centre), Duncan by email to [email protected] community project or event please get in Taylor Scotch Whisky, Sinclair’s of Rhynie, or calling in at the office in the Brander touch. Pipeline Technique, R&M Engineering, Building. TRUST UPGRADES CAR CLUB FLEET Trust continues investment in affordable transport for all in our latest refresh of the Huntly Co-Wheels Car Club fleet Since our Spring edition newsletter, the cruise control, and equally as important - our Project Manager, Dave Simpson can Trust waved goodbye to our long term comfortable seats. arrange for an induction session. fleet of Co-Wheels cars in June and took delivery of our shiny new, super-duper next Being hybrid electric/petrol vehicles they Our cars can be hired from as little as generation hybrid cars. These cars are a have automatic gearboxes, and feature £5.50 per hour, are available in 15 minute world apart from the previous generation, Electric Vehicle (EV), Eco and performance hire increments and have half-day, full-day which we’d had since 2015. modes. These help greatly with fuel and overnight rates. So, if you’d like to save economy, and more importantly with carbon money, drive a new car and help tackle Our new fleet consists of a Toyota Auris emissions. In EV mode, the cars produce climate change then join our Car Club. estate which replaces both the small zero CO2 emissions, and in EcoMode petrol car and electric van as well as us become a very low CO2 emissions. Joining is easy, visit our website http:// adding a new Toyota Yaris. Both vehicles franchises.co-wheels.org.uk/huntly and are equipped with all mod-cons including They are also very easy to drive being register to receive your welcome pack, or air conditioning / climate control, satellite automatic, however if you’ve never driven call Dave Simpson on 01466 799416 to navigation, DAB radio, reversing camera, an automatic before and are a little unsure, find out more.

The new car club fleet comes with all the home comforts as well as providing a flexible and affordable alternative to owning a 2nd vehicle Over the past 12 months, we’ve noticed that electric bikes (e-bikes) have become very popular. Whenever we’re out and WILD ADVENTURES about in Huntly, riding around the Bin Forrest or cycling around the Cairngorms, its not unusual to meet one or two people ON AN E-BIKE on e-bikes. This summer has also been the Trust’s busiest yet for e-bike hire with a mixture of hire coming from tourists and Huntly residents alike.

E-bikes are a great enabler, allowing people of all ages and abilities to get out cycling. If you haven’t been on a bike for years, are recovering from injury or surgery, or due to age or physical limitations can’t use a normal bike, then an e-bike is a great way to get out and about. They are also great for touring by allowing you to extend your range and explore areas where normal cycling is just too tiring or difficult.

During summer, three of our Development Trust staff went on completely different adventures by e-bike, demonstrating just how versatile these can be.

Jill Andrews, Greenmyres Project Manager was invited to Orkney to participate in a week long music festival and took one of our touring-hybrid e-bikes along with her. Having to juggle 3 performances per day, along with wanting to see as much of the island as possible, meant that public transport wasn’t a viable option. However, the Bergamont e-bike was ideal for To mimic a well know beer commercial - Our Huntly getting around the island, especially as Jill e-bikes lets you reach more discovered that Orkney is definitely not flat. parts other bikes cannot reach

One added bonus of traveling to Orkney At the beginning of September, Debbie path and hills and made traveling 25 miles by bike, is that bikes travel for free on the Haefner, HDDT Office Manager, spent in a day, very enjoyable. Debbie said that ferry. This makes it very easy to get to from a long weekend camper vanning and e-bikes were a great way to explore the Huntly by train. The ferry port is just a very explored the shores of Loch Lomond and countryside at her pace as well as getting short ride from Aberdeen train station. around Luss on our e-mountain bikes. They the health and wellbeing benefits of cycling. were ideal for traveling the dedicated cycle Our third adventurer is Dave Simpson, Green Travel Hub Project Manager, who is no stranger to cycling adventures. Dave went on a summer camping and off-road adventure over the Fungal way at . This has been on his wish list for the past few years but he’s been unable to do it due to after effects of lung surgery and the difficulty on the terrain. His 19 mile route took him over Carnferg summit which offered some stunning views, and some equal stunning climbs. Dave said that there was no way he could have managed without an e-bike.

If you want to try an e-bike, we have e-mountain bikes and tourer-hybrid e-bikes available for hire from the HDDT office. Prices start at £9 for HDDT members and we also have 6 route cards providing details of local cycling routes. TRUST SECURES FURTHER GREEN ENERGY FUNDING

With many of our various renewable HDDT works with the /Glass of the Scottish Government’s Community energy projects having dominated our Community Trust and the Rhynie Charitable and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) previous newsletters over recent years, The Trust to manage those funds and invests for exploration into the business opportunity Development Trust is pleased to say that the remainder in HDDT and our projects. to create hydrogen from the clean green it’s been pretty much “steady as she goes” electricity generated at Greenmyres. We over these last six months. Our own turbine at Greenmyres, donates are in the process of procuring technical all surplus funds to HDDT, again for contractors for that piece of work with As a reminder, these projects include investment in projects s well as supporting Stage 1 of the work due for completion in our own wind turbine at Greenmyres, core costs. Funds available for investment March 2019. our shares in the Cairnborrow Wind from all the projects should increase over Farm in Glass and the second turbine at time as bank borrowings are paid down. If viable, we could then be able to Wheedlemont, Rhynie. The latter two pay generate green hydrogen for use in local an enhanced community benefi t fund to However, it’s not all dull on the transport and buildings – effectively a HDDT, with 25% of each reserved for the renewables front. HDDT has been carbon free and pollution free power source parishes nearest to the developments. successful with a bid to the Innovation Fund for our community. TRUST THRIVES ON VOLUNTEER SUPPORT KEEP IN CONTACT

The Trust is indebted to volunteers like Ingrid Wylie who help out the Trust in a whole manner of ways WITH THE HDDT can only be successful with the Ingrid also volunteers with general offi ce help and support of our members and duties too, including much welcomed TRUST volunteers. We realise that people lead administrative assistance back in May when very busy lives and we really appreciate it the Trust were dealing with the General Brander Building, The Square, when people can give up an hour or two Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) Huntly, AB54 8BR to support clearing paths, planting trees, changes. Tel: +44 01466 799416 marshal an event or help out in the offi ce. Email: [email protected] A huge thanks to all our volunteers www.huntlydevelopmenttrust.org One such volunteer is Ingrid Wylie who - please let us know if you can help us Company Registered in Scotland SC358964 helps deliver our Energise newsletters to out in the future on some of our exciting Registered Scottish Charity SC043353 shops and businesses around Huntly. community projects.